Ukraine calls out

Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, made an unusual trip to India last week in an effort to maintain diplomatic ties. Kuleba has not visited the nation since conflicts between Russia, India’s important strategic ally, and Ukraine began more than two years ago. During their phone chat last month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved his travel. It makes sense that Modi talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin that same day, marking the beginning of closer relations since India started purchasing Russian commodities that the West had rejected after the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia and India are strategically close to one another, which means it will take time for Ukraine to explore new avenues for collaboration with New Delhi, especially in light of the impending Indian general election. Ensuring high-level Indian participation in the peace conference that Switzerland is organizing is of vital significance to Kyiv. India’s stance of never placing blame and always advocating for communication and diplomacy as the best course of action to end the crisis makes it a possible mediator.

However, the peace conference is beset with roadblocks and inconsistencies. The most obvious is the absence of Russia, a crucial player. Moscow will not accept Zelenskyy’s peace offer, which requires Russia to give up all land it has conquered. However, because no date has been set and the extent of representation is still up in the air, the agenda seems to be changing. It is unknown whether any other Global South majors will be present at the summit. However, it seems that India will be taking part in what may be a hopeful beginning to bring an end to the lengthy conflict.